The Luxury Lifestyle List: Thierry Henry, the world-famous sports and style icon

We caught up with Thierry Henry, the legendary French professional footballer, coach, pundit and sports reporter. He is currently the coach of the French U21 national team and the Olympic team. Thierry is considered one of the greatest strikers of all time and one of the best players in the history of the Premier League. Between 1999 and 2007 he played for London giants Arsenal.

The world-famous style and sports icon recently joined innovative Parisian luggage house Kabuto as a shareholder and has helped design the brand’s next generation of smart suitcases. The Kabuto x Thierry Henry collection aims to revolutionize travel using new patented technology, making packing and arriving at your destination an even more premium experience.

My favorite holiday destination

I have to say, I’ve been to Rio twice and it’s my favorite place. Unlike big cities, Rio has everything. I like that in Brazil everyone listens to samba, eats the same food and the connection is the same everywhere. Rio is always a revelation for me because there are few countries that have such a sense of community as Rio.

My gadget I can’t live without

My new Kabuto suitcase. Being able to open and unlock it with your fingerprint is a game changer for me. The world is changing so fast and we don’t necessarily need keys anymore. The fingerprint option is just faster and more convenient. This expandable design is the first of its kind. Having a piece of luggage that has a fingerprint and is expandable blows me away. I’m not sure why no one has thought of this before.

My favorite fashion brand

I love the cut of a Tom Ford suit because I like it because I need to look smart at work or going to an event. And I love my sneakers and t-shirts are a must; I live in them, tracksuits – I live in them too, sunglasses and a cap.

My preferred airline

As for traveling with my family, my four children are lucky to have the opportunity to travel as their childhood was very different from mine. My trips consisted of visiting friends in my neighborhood. I couldn’t afford to travel. People think I grew up in Paris but that’s not true; I grew up in the suburbs of the city in a place called Les Ulis. Occasionally my mother would take me to Paris and I thought it was beautiful and I remember her going to a bargain clothing store where she would buy things really cheap.

My secret vice

It’s so nice to be able to enjoy nature with my family. It’s a different kind of vacation than going to the mountains. I love the more relaxed atmosphere of being on a secluded island where you can jog and read and just be together as a family.

My favorite way to give back

National matches. One of my earliest memories of travelling abroad is when I played for the French national team and we visited Faro in Portugal. I must have been about 16 at the time and I remember being really excited to represent my country. And then my career took me to Monaco and Italy when I was about 16/17.

Photo credit: Kabuto x Thierry Henry collection